Tourmaline Indigenous Student Bursaries

For Indigenous students whose home community is in Alberta or British Columbia. Study anywhere in Canada.

Published by G Paul · last checked August 31, 2026

Next deadline

Nov 1, 2026

Level

College, Undergraduate, Graduate, Trades, Certificate

Open to

Alberta, British Columbia

Apply on the official site ↗

What you will need

Indigenous affiliation
Home community is in Alberta or British Columbia
Enrollment at a post-secondary institution in Canada

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted — contact Tourmaline to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are an Indigenous student from a home community in Alberta or British Columbia who has demonstrated financial need. Deadlines come around three times a year on August 1, November 1 and February 1, so aim for whichever one is next. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — whether it is by email, phone, or through the application portal. Selection criteria aren't published — ask Tourmaline how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Tourmaline during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Tourmaline whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you have any Indigenous affiliation and your home community is located in Alberta or British Columbia. You can be enrolled in any program of study at any level of study at any post-secondary institution across Canada. You must also show that you have a demonstrated financial need. Priority is given to those from specific communities in Alberta (Sucker Creek First Nation, Horse Lake First Nation, Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Aseniwuche Winewak Nation (AWN), Enoch First Nation, Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation, Ochiese First Nation, and Paul First Nation) and in British Columbia (Saulteau First Nations, Blueberry River First Nations, Halfway River First Nation, Doig River First Nation, West Moberly First Nation, and McLeod Lake Indian Band).

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

Open to college, undergraduate, graduate, trades or certificate students
Resident of Alberta or British Columbia

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Submit your application
Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

Financial NeedAvoid providing a vague statement about needing money. Instead, provide a detailed breakdown of your costs versus income and use specific examples of financial gaps. List your exact tuition shortfall and living expenses to prove your need.
SupportAvoid using a generic character reference. Instead, use referees who can speak directly to your community involvement and resilience. Ask a community leader or teacher to highlight your specific contributions to your home community.
StrategyAvoid applying only once. Since there are three separate deadlines (August 1, November 1, and February 1), you should track which one best aligns with your school's tuition payment schedule.
RealismAvoid assuming the award is guaranteed because you meet the basic criteria. Because preference is given to specific nations in AB and BC, you should emphasize your ties to those communities if they apply to you.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

Use the Apply on the official site button on this page: it opens the official application page in a new tab.

When is the deadline?

Applications close on November 1, 2026. Submit a day or two early: application sites get busy at the end.

Can international students apply?

Check the award's official page for the citizenship rules.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Aug 31, 2026